Background

The world is aging. Evidence of "aging revolution" is to be found in the in growing number of elders in the general population. This situation is reflected in Israel as well: according to data from Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics, between 1996-2000 the number of Israeli residents aged 65+ increased by 32%; 75+ by 50%; and 75+ by 25%. Between 1960 and 2000, the number of elders in Israel aged 65+ grew from 100,000 to 600,000, and constitutes 11% of the total population today. Demographic forecasts predict that by 2010 the total number of elders aged 65+ in Israel will reach 722.500.